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Donald Green

Donald William Green, 81, of Detroit Lakes, passed peacefully in his home on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Don, the son of Carl and Marion (Fanning) Green, was born on October 26, 1932 in Thief River Falls. He was raised in Thief River Falls and graduated from high school in 1950.

Don enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1951. He served at Thule Air Force Base in Greenland and Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Mont., until receiving an honorable discharge in 1953.

Don married the love of his life, Phyllis Jean Carlson on November 29, 1952 in Thief River Falls. He went on to attend Concordia College, earning a double major in business and psychology in 1958. Don also played football for Jake Christiansen while attending Concordia. He began his career at Small Business Administration in Fargo.

A few years later, Don joined Merchants National Bank, also known as First Bank and later US Bank. In 1983 he served as bank president at First Bank in Bismarck, staying until he retired in 1988.

Don in 1988 joined Community First National Bank in Fargo as executive vice president, until retiring again in 1993. During his career in banking he granted loans to many small businesses and major manufactures that remain cornerstones in the region.

Don also served on several boards including those of Florence Crittenton Home, Fraser Hall, Vocational Training Center, Medcenter One and Bismarck Junior College. He also served on the Fargo School Board and was president in 1981.

Don was a great outdoorsman and treasured the many fly-in fishing trips with Phyllis to Molson Lodge in Canada, and reveled in the numerous pheasant hunts with his friends on the North Dakota prairie. Don was also an avid gardener with a green thumb for vegetables and flowers.

For many years during his retirement, Don and Phyllis enjoyed wintering in Lake Havasu. Don embraced and loved his family dearly and enjoyed sharing stories of all the kids for which he was very proud. Every day he demonstrated his depth of integrity, passion, empathy and kindness that was grounded in his faith in the Lord who was central to his life.

Surviving Don are his wife Phyllis, of Detroit Lakes; three daughters, Paulette (Gary) Sauvageau of Fargo, Beth (Paul) Moe of Bothell, Wash., and Sue (Brad) Johnk of Page, N.D.; sons, Scott (Judy) Green and John (Kim) Green, both of Detroit Lakes; 12 grandchildren; five great grandchildren with two on the way; one sister, Helen Seline of Appleton, Wis.; two sisters-in-law, Glorian Green of Edina and Mary (Howard) Hirdler of Cass Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Don in death were his parents; two brothers, Paul and Carl Green; and four sisters, Marion Lorenson, Dorothy Soelby, Hildegarde Hamre and Carmen Larson.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Memorial services are set for 11 a.m. Monday, March 3 at First Lutheran Church, Detroit Lakes, with Pastor Wade Dutton, officiating. There will be visitation for one hour prior to services.

Interment will be held during a private family ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, at a future date.

West-Kjos Funeral Home is assisting the family. Those wanting to share memories and condolences online may use the guestbook section at www.westkjos.com.